A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
The everyday and spectacle of subdued citizenship in northern Uganda (2020)

Alava, H. (2020). The everyday and spectacle of subdued citizenship in northern Uganda. In K. Holma, & T. Kontinen (Eds.), Practices of Citizenship in East Africa : Perspectives from Philosophical Pragmatism (pp. 90-104). Routledge. Routledge Explorations in Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429279171-7

JYU authors or editors

Alava, Henni

Publication details

All authors or editors: Alava, Henni

Parent publication: Practices of Citizenship in East Africa : Perspectives from Philosophical Pragmatism

Parent publication editors: Holma, Katariina; Kontinen, Tiina

ISBN: 978-0-367-23296-2

eISBN: 978-0-429-27917-1

Journal or series: Routledge Explorations in Development Studies

Publication year: 2020

Pages range: 90-104

Number of pages in the book: 258

Publisher: Routledge

Place of Publication: Abingdon

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429279171-7

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68518

Abstract

Drawing on ethnographic research in the Acholi town of Kitgum in northern Uganda, this chapter illustrates how citizenship practices are embedded in particular relationships between the state and its citizens. Two key arenas for learning are identified: the everyday, which in this region is tinged by memories of past violence and fears of its recurrence, and moments of spectacular state performance such as the burial of a prominent politician. The chapter shows how practices of citizenship are learned through embodied experiences: by taking part in public debate, by voting or by greeting a flag, but also by running away from a soldier or by staying quiet due to fear. The chapter’s overall aim is to show why any attempts to foster growth into citizenship must commence from recognition and analysis of the everyday practices and spectacular events through which existing modes of citizenship have emerged.

Keywords: citizenship; everyday; political participation; political violence; state (public sector entities); public events; spectacles; ethnography